The London Stadium: A Work in Progress

Sports Gazette sampled the experience at the hotly-debated London Stadium when it hosted rugby league for the second time in its history on Sunday.

England v Australia; round three of the Four Nations. This was the event on show at the London Stadium on Sunday.

The stadium, build for the London 2012 Olympics, became the home of West Ham United FC in April but the reviews since the takeover have not been good.

Eggert Magnusson, former Hammers chairman, called for his former team's new home to be torn down and rebuilt, arguing it was not fit for footballing purposes.

Current West Ham chairman David Sullivan, writing on the club website, responded: “I was disappointed to read some irresponsible and, quite frankly, incorrect comments by Magnusson.

“We appreciate that the Stadium is not yet perfect, but we have solved many of the initial issues we faced and are working closely with our fellow stakeholders to find solutions to those which remain outstanding.”

Based on my experienc, the London Stadium is a work in progress. There is still work to be done on the flow of human traffic but the unique atmosphere really struck a chord- maybe not as a sporting event, but certainly as an event.

To see the future of the London Stadium, it is best to look at the current state of Wembley Stadium, which saw exactly the same issues when they opened for regular sporting action resolved a few years later.

There are two ways of looking at the London Stadium situation: as a West Ham fan, who turns up regularly, and a fan of events, seeking that unique experience.

One set of fans may never be satisfied with a stadium that is still working on administration and is the polar opposite of their former home. The other set of fans may delight in the brilliance of the setting and the echoing, euphoric atmosphere.

Either way, both will scoff at the food prices!

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